I was listening to fox sports radio last night. George sedano was talking about bill cowher and his retirement. What he went onto say is that he thinks that the browns will pursue Cowher next year. He said that even though cowhers contract will expire after next season he still owes the steelers one more year. I didnt know this but if a player were to retire with one more year on his contract even if he decides he wants to come back two years later the team still owns his rights. So why should nfl coaches be any different?

Even as an RFA the team doesn't have exclusive rights to a player they simply have the opportunity to get reimbursement (1st and 3rd round draft pick, just a 1st, or 3rd round) and match another team's offer.

Even as an RFA the team doesn't have exclusive rights to a player they simply have the opportunity to get reimbursement (1st and 3rd round draft pick, just a 1st, or 3rd round) and match another team's offer.

well, sedano stated thats actually not the case. He said once a player retires the team owns the players rights.

I believe it was outlined that the only way the Steelers would receive any compensation for Cowher coaching for another team is if he did so within the next year. After this next year, he is free to come back and coach anywhere. The Steelers wouldn't have the rights to ask for reimbursement (according to the league - but what the heck do they know!)